Calif. Power Supplies Adequate To Meet Summer Demand

Officials Say Virtually No Chance Of Summer Brownouts

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Forecasters say a warmer than normal summer is expected in Southern California. But utility officials say there should be enough electricity to handle demand.

Weather forecasters predict a warmer than normal summer is expected in Southern California.

But utility officials and the California Independent System Operator, or CAL-ISO, said there should be enough electricity to handle demand.

Allison Zaragoza with San Diego Gas and Electric said power officials do not expect any rolling brownouts this summer.

"We have adequate supplies in San Diego as well as California as a whole even if hotter than average temperatures do occur," said Zaragoza. "The Cal-ISO has confirmed that there's less than 1 percent chance of rotating power outages and we do continue to encourage customers to conserve energy."

She said conservation remains critical especially during heat waves or other transmission emergencies. She offered several tips to save energy and money.

"Turn off any unneeded lights, and computers when not in use," said Zaragoza. "Keep your blinds closed during the day to keep that hot sun out; also use your main appliances in the evening or early in the morning."

Zaragoza also said using fans instead of air conditioners can save energy and lower your utility bill.

"Air conditioning pushes rates into the higher tiers, so we try to let customers know if you're going to be away set your thermostat at 78 degrees," she said. "Using fans save a lot more energy, they're more cost effective and they can save actually 25 percent on your cooling costs."